One can only speculate as to the "realism" of a story. How
can a typical reader know? For example, I don't know Detroit
and I am very convinced by the "realism" of Leonard's novels.
I cannot compare what he writes with any personal experience
of the place. The same goes for stories involving certain
professions or circles. I've said it before, but the realism
is psychological, and I do believe it can be created out of
whole cloth by a good writer. It can also be created out of
direct experience, and probably the details will then be more
accurate, but will the story be necessarily better? I doubt
it. Many memoirs are dull. Many travel books are dull.
Best,
mrt
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